Objective: To examine the prevalence of
the metabolic syndrome in depressive outpatients
and to identify its correlates in depression.

Method: This cross-sectional analysis
was performed on 121 depressive outpatients from January 2002 through January 2004 who
were diagnosed at baseline with the Structured
Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. The metabolic
syndrome was diagnosed at 6-year follow-up according to the modified criteria of the National
Cholesterol Education Program. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed at
follow-up with the Beck Depression Inventory and
the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and general psychopathology was assessed with
the Symptom Checklist-90.

Results: At 6-year follow-up, the
prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study group of
depressive outpatients was 36% (N = 44). The syndrome was associated with a current diagnosis
of major depression and overeating, but not with
age or sex.

Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome
is highly prevalent among patients with a history
of depression, especially those with current major depression. This may have implications for
treatment. Furthermore, attention should be
focused on the physical health of those suffering
from depression.